Model accusing Neymar of rape parts with 3rd lawyer

The 26-year-old Brazilan model Najila Trindade who has accused soccer star Neymar of raping her in a Paris hotel parted on Tuesday from her third lawyer in less than three weeks.

Najila’s lawyer Attorney Danilo Garcia de Andrade confirmed The Associated Press that he no longer represents in her rape case.

While asking the reason, De Andrade didn’t say why, but he told journalists on Monday that he would drop the case if the accuser didn’t give authorities a seven-minute video that she has described as “key evidence”.

The model said on Monday night in a television interview that the images were in a tablet that was stolen after she brought her charges against Neymar. Police said they are investigating her theft report.

Meanwhile, Neymar denies the rape accusation. Police officials have said he is expected to meet with investigators on Thursday, but no final agreement on the date was announced.

Lawyer Jose Edgard Bueno withdrew from the case after the accuser on her own filed a rape complaint with Sao Paulo police May 31. Bueno said he had wanted to ‘seek a settlement with the player’.

Attorney Yasmin Abdalla then took over, but left the case to her partner de Andrade before Trindade testified to police Friday. And now, Trindade has yet to pick a new attorney.

Also on Tuesday an aide of Neymar was interviewed by investigators. Rodrigo Gallo was reported by Trindade as the person who booked her ticket to Paris and a hotel room so she could meet with the player. His testimony lasted two hours. Gallo did not talk to journalists after he left.

In her interview with SBT television Monday night, Trindade raised questions about how police are investigating her rape allegation, and appeared to imply that investigators had been paid off. “Police are sold, aren’t they?” she said.

The association of Sao Paulo state police investigators issued a statement Tuesday denouncing her comments.

“We can't tolerate statements that without any basis stain the honor of police and the image of a whole institution,” the group said.